WASHINGTON A partisan deadlock over a disaster relief package showed no signs of easing Tuesday, as the two camps traded barbs over aid for hurricane-ravaged Puerto Rico.
Senate Republicans made a new offer over the weekend that Democrats dismissed, weakening prospects for a deal before lawmakers leave town later this week for a two-week Easter recess. President Donald Trump has told Republicans he wont support additional aid to Puerto Rico beyond an extra $600 million in food assistance that is already included in a GOP-written bill.
Things look bleak, said Senate Appropriations Chairman Richard C. Shelby who held talks in recent days with Democrats and the White House. But you never know. Sometimes theres a storm before the sun comes up.